10 Festive Advent Calendars That Go Beyond Chocolate

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me: CHEESE.

We love chocolate as much as the next person, but, let's be honest, the goodies in most commercial advent calendars are somewhat lacking.

Just because you're sick of compound chocolate (the cheaper chocolate typically used in advent calendars because it's easier to mold into those little squares) doesn't mean you can't feel festive as you count down the days to Christmas.

From edibles and indulgences to activities, here are 10 advent calendars that go beyond chocolate this holiday season.

With daily stickers encouraging you to "invite a friend to dinner," "do someone else's chores," or "teach someone something new," the calendar will "instill compassion, kindness and the spirit of giving in your family throughout the holidays," according to its website.

6. Colouring Book Advent Calendar

Chapters/Indigo

Colouring is so cool right now, no matter your age.

And the Advent Calendar To Colour colouring book sounds absolutely delightful. The fold-out advent calendar features a black and white street scene that you colour bit by bit in the lead-up to Christmas. There are also doors and windows to open every day.

8. Gin Advent Calendar

Master of Malt

Gin-gle bells! Gin-gle bells!

Drinks By The Dram and Gin Foundry have once again partnered to bring us the "Ginvent Calendar." There's a 30ml sample — from craft gins to new names to hard-to-find treats — behind each of the 24 doors.

You'll have to go to some extra effort to nab one for the chip-a-holic in your life (or yourself).

10. Purdys Chocolatier Bright Lights Advent Calendar

Purdys Chocolatier

If you're going to do chocolate, do it right. And do it Canadian.

All the chocolate treats in the Purdys Chocolatier Bright Lights Advent Calendar are crafted from 100 per cent sustainable cocoa. And the goodies, which include salted caramels, cookie crunch bells and traditional milk chocolate snowmen, sound delicious.

The company is based out of Vancouver, B.C., so you can feel good knowing that you're supporting a Canadian business.

Bonus: The 2017 Short Story Advent Calendar

Hingston and Olsen

It's back!

After two successful runs, the Short Story Advent Calendar is now accepting holiday orders for its 2017 edition. Do you know someone who loves to read? If that "someone" is you, heck, buy it for yourself 'cause it's the gift that keeps on giving (for 24 days, to be precise) for the ultimate book lover.

Each of the 24 booklets contains a short story by a different author from North America and beyond, including Jim Gavin, Ken Liu, Kelly Link, and Carmen Maria Machado.